HIGH-SPEED WIRELESS NETWORK WITH A RELIABLE WIRELESS LOW BIT-RATE CHANNEL

摘要

A multichannel wireless network (60), methods for its operation, and system components are disclosed. The network is designed to facilitate high-bit-rate data communication within a home, office, or similarly constrained area. According to the described embodiments, at least two different types of wireless channels form the network infrastructure. A primary wireless channel is designed for relatively low bit rate, high reliability and network-wide communication. A secondary wireless channel is designed for relatively high bit rate communication, but with potentially lower reliability and shorter ranges. A base station (62) uses the primary wireless channel to configure and control operation of the wireless network (60), including configuring pairs of devices as requested for direct communication over the secondary wireless channel.